Tweet of the Day: "Let's remember Kobe has around clock training staff that he swears by. Might be only person not concerned" -- DuranLA (710 ESPN's Beto Duran)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "With the Lakers potential of a slow start to the season....I guess we could see more of 'Kobe taking over' with 'more' minutes than he should be playing for such an ardous season. It will be hard for Coach Brown to stick to his game and season plan if the Lakers are falling behind in the standings." -- John Fatland

-- Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Magic Johnson, clockwise from left, says the Lakers will need Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum to play their best for the team to be successful. Credits: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times; Paul Buck / EPA; Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times